La Masia Forn Teuler

Located in the mountainous Alt Penedes wine region, 1-hour west of Barcelona sits this beautiful four-bedroom country property. Originally a 17^th century barn where roof tiles were made, the property has been lovingly converted into a gem of a home. The surrounding greenery and peace and tranquillity make this the ideal place to relax and recharge.

Inside, the decor is light and airy. Slate flooring, stacked stone walls and natural finishes sweep through the open-plan living area creating a soothing atmosphere. A huge open fireplace overlooks an inviting dining table that seats eight people, while the well-equipped kitchen is kitted out with a wood-fire oven and every utensil you could possibly need (the owner, after all, is a professional chef). Stairs lead from the living area down to a cosy chill-out room where you can enjoy a siesta after a leisurely lunch while a spiral staircase sweeps up to the first floor.

There's a cosy lounge on the first floor where you can relax on the sofas with a film or simply gaze out the window at the sweeping views. Leading off from here are the four bedrooms, all featuring whitewashed walls, wood-beamed ceilings, double beds and glorious views of the garden. There are also two separate bathrooms featuring organic toiletries and luxury bathrobes for extra comfort.

Back on the ground level, there is plenty more to discover outside. The property prides itself on being eco-friendly and has a well-developed kitchen garden and an enclosure for the resident chickens. But the real highlight is the natural swimming pool surrounded by vineyards, sprawling mountains and ancient oak, olive and pine trees. Start the day with a dip in the crystal-clear waters or enjoy a quiet coffee while watching the sunrise. The natural pool is 100% ecological and has no chlorine or salt or any chemicals. Its filtering system is a combination of plants, UV, filtering beads and other natural systems, making the water 100% clear and without any pathogens but also pure enough to drink and open your eyes without any problems. You'll find the silence here is magical, punctuated only by the croak of a frog or the buzz of a dragonfly. During the day, bask in the sun on a lounger or cook some locally sourced meat on the barbeque, then dine al fresco on the shady terrace. There's also a Zen garden located at the rear of the property, where you can sit by the pond and watch the goldfish swim.

The more active might want to explore the six hectares of private forest or enjoy a hike through the mountains. But at the end of the day, simply settle onto one of the comfy seating spots around the fire pit and marvel at the endless night sky. Although the property is set in a rural location, it's only a 5-minute drive to a traditional restaurant, winery, and the small town of Pontons. The Penedes region is full of activities including wine tasting, hiking, cycling, restaurants, natural waterfalls as well the local town of Vilafranca only 20 km from La Masia Forn Teuler, so you'll never be bored during your stay!

At La Masia Forn Teuler, you will be sharing your stay with the owner and residential chef, Sophie! Sophie is from Australia and moved to Barcelona to open its first Australian eatery. Since leaving Barcelona and moving inwards into the Catalan countryside, she has been running La Masia Forn Teuler as a way to show guests the wonders of Spanish and Catalan cuisine, set against the backdrop of the gorgeous Alt Penedes region. Sophie offers various experiences at this villa, including cooking classes, dining with the chef, or wine tastings. Check out our Extras tab for more details!